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Wenger urged by Arsenal legend to sign a 'world star'

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown insists the Gunners will bounce back from the loss of wantaway captain Robin Van Persie - but he has called on Arsene Wenger to sign another 'world star' to boost their title chances.

Some have suggested that van Persie’s desire to leave could affect the Gunners’ start to the season in the same way that the protracted transfers of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas did last term.

But Keown, who won three league titles during his time in north London, is confident that Arsenal won’t repeat the mistakes of last season.

"At least van Persie has come out early and declared that he wants to leave," said Keown.

"Last year when it was Nasri and Fabregas it impacted so much on the group that when they were seven games in it was like a relegation fight. And I think this round this won’t happen if van Persie goes. I think the squad is stronger both mentally and in quality."

However, Keown, speaking at a BT London Live event in Hyde Park, feels Wenger must also invest in a world-class player while bemoaning the constant departures of top players from the club.

He added: "We’re almost kind of getting used to losing top players now, it’s just a shame that so many are going.

"If we look back to Dennis Bergkamp coming to the club, when he came to the club, it was kind of like ‘Christ!’ That was a real wake-up call - he came in, everyone took note, Arsenal’s going in a different direction. Arsenal could almost do with one of those world stars coming in again."

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We’re almost kind of getting used to losing top players now, it’s just a shame that so many are going